Use of these instructions with the residential checklists assumes a general understanding of the
provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code (2009 IECC) and key concepts and definitions
applicable to those provisions. Consult the 2009 IECC when in doubt about a particular item in the
checklist. Each checklist item contains the corresponding 2009 IECC code section(s) for quick reference.
While most of the code provisions are included in the checklists, there are a few requirements that are
deemed administrative and/or without significant impact, and these are not included. The checklists are
being developed specifically for use in addressing Recovery Act and State Energy Program requirements,
both of which are focused on saving energy, and should not be considered a complete code checklist.

The checklists are divided into stages corresponding to traditional building inspection stages. A building
may require more than one field visit to gather compliance data during each stage of construction.
Multiple buildings can be used to derive a single building evaluation. This may occur where multiple
buildings are being simultaneously constructed, with construction in varying stages occurring at the same
time (e.g., a housing subdivision, condominium or apartment complex, or commercial office park). In
these cases, the same building must be used for at least one complete inspection stage (i.e., plan review,
foundation, framing, insulation, or final inspection). Additionally, the buildings must be of the same
building type.

Completing the General Information Section. All inputs at the top of the first page of the checklist

should be completed. Some of these inputs are repeated on the beginning of each construction stage.
Where a single building is being evaluated for each stage of construction, the duplicate inputs can be
ignored. Where different buildings are used for completing different stages of construction, the top portion
of each checklist stage must be completed for each different building evaluated.

•

Compliance Approach: Compliance with the energy code can be demonstrated by the prescriptive,
trade-off, or performance approach. In evaluating building compliance, the prescriptive approach
should be assumed unless documentation is obtained from the building department or responsible
authority demonstrating compliance with either the trade-off or performance approach. TheCode

Value column on the checklist contains the prescriptive requirement which must be met under the

prescriptive approach. If a trade-off or performance approach is used to demonstrate compliance, the
buildings may NOT comply with these prescriptive values and yet may still be deemed to comply with
the code (and therefore should be marked as compliant for the given checklist item) on the basis that
some other aspect of the building exceeds the code. For example, assume a trade-off approach was
used and a valid worksheet or software report was submitted showing a compliant building in Climate
Zone 3 with R-3 basement insulation. In Climate Zone 3, the code’s prescriptive insulation R-value
requirement for a basement wall is listed as R-5. In this example, the basement insulation should be
marked as compliant even though it does not meet the prescriptive requirement given on the
checklist. If the trade-off submission is valid, there will be some other building component that
exceeds code requirements and offsets the non-compliant basement wall.

Complies Column. Each checklist item must be selected as compliant (Y), not compliant (N), or not

applicable (N/A). Some examples of where a checklist item might be considered N/A include pool
requirements for buildings that do not have a pool, basement requirements for a building that has a slab-
on-grade foundation, or sunroom requirements for buildings that do not have a sunroom. When
evaluating a renovation or addition, it is also appropriate to select N/A for code provisions that do not
apply. N/A should not be selected for cases where the code provision cannot be inspected because it has
been covered or can’t be observed. If necessary, a different building of the same type but in a different
stage of construction would have to be used to complete a checklist stage in order to inspect these items.

Verified Values Column. The checklists are used to collect information about the building as well as to

Verified Value column. In many cases, you may observe more than one value, in which case all values

observed should be recorded. For example, windows in the building may have a different U-factor thansliding glass doors. How compliance is determined when multiple values are found may vary dependingon the compliance approach:

Page 2

•

Prescriptive Approach – Insulation R-values: All insulation R-values must be equal to or greater than
the prescriptive code value. Enter all observed R-values into the Verified Value column. If any are
less than the prescriptive code value, this checklist item is deemed to fail.

•

Prescriptive Approach – Fenestration U-factors and SHGC: Enter all observed U-factors into the

Verified Value column. If all values are less than or equal to the code value, the checklist item is

deemed to pass. Alternatively, if the area-weighted average glazing U-factor is less than or equal tothe prescriptive code value, then the checklist item is deemed to pass. Where multiple U-factors areobserved, and some are above and some below the code value, it may be necessary to check thearea-weighted average, which will require glazing areas. The areas, U-f

actors, and calculations can
be provided in the Additional Comments area of the checklist or on a separate worksheet. A similar
approach should be taken for fenestration SHGC. Note that up to 15 ft2 of fenestration can be
exempted from the prescriptive U-factor and SHGC requirements, and one side-hinged door up to
24 ft2 can be exempted from the prescriptive door U-factor requirements.

•

Trade-Off and Performance Approaches: Under alternative approaches, the values and areas to beverified are those on the compliance documentation. Where multiple values are observed, enter theobserved R-values, U-factors, and their corresponding areas into the Verified Value column if spacepermits. Where space does not allow this, use the Additional Comments area of the checklist or aseparate worksheet.

KEY

High Impact (Tier 1)

*Medium Impact (Tier 2)

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Item

Number

Pre-Inspection/Plan Review

PR1

[103.2]

Documentation. Determine if a complete set of plans/construction drawings, specifications,

and energy code compliance documentation is available in the building department. If there is
no building department or the locality does not conduct plan review, this information should
be obtained from the registered design professional or builder having responsibility for the
project. If documentation indicating a trade-off or performance approach is not provided, a
prescriptive approach must be assumed for verifying compliance.

PR2

[103.2]

Insulation R-Values and Materials. Verify that the drawings and specifications clearly

indicate the spaces in the building that are conditioned and unconditioned. For construction
assemblies separating these spaces, determine if the type of insulation and material
(e.g., fiberglass batts) and R-value of the insulation is clearly noted. Indicate missing
information in the comments column.

PR3

[103.2]

Fenestration U-Factors and SHGC. Determine if the areas, U-factors and SHGC values for

each window, door, skylight, or other fenestration product are shown on the drawings,
specifications, energy code compliance documentation, or glazing schedule. If these items do
not meet the prescriptive requirements as specified on the checklist and Table 402.1.1 of the
2009 IECC, determine if alternative supporting documentation is provided—demonstrating an
area-weighted trade-off (where some assemblies exceed code and others may not meet
code), and if that documentation validates compliance with the energy code.

PR4

[103.2]*

Mechanical System Design. Verify that all relevant information related to heating and/or

cooling load calculations and room layout for heating and cooling delivery is available.

PR5

[103.2]*

Mechanical and SWH Specifications. Verify that all mechanical and service water heating